Djuric speaks with Guterres

BELGRADE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, conveying Serbia’s deep concern over the arrest of Igor Popovic, a member of Belgrade's negotiating team in the dialogue with Pristina, as well as over the harassment and detentions of other Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija.

In a telephone call, Djuric noted that such actions represented a dangerous attempt to intimidate the Serb community and undermine the ongoing dialogue.

Djuric said Serbia expected clear and principled engagement from international actors, particularly the United Nations mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), and noted that its continued presence remained essential for the protection of the rights and security of Serbs on the ground.

"Minister Djuric also reaffirmed that Serbia will remain a reliable supporter of the United Nations and a constructive contributor to efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability, in line with the UN Charter, which continues to serve as the cornerstone of international law and the guarantor of sovereign equality among states.

On this occasion, Minister Djuric stressed that respect for this framework is the only viable path to safeguarding stability both in the region and globally," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.